Well-wishers in show of support for April Jones' family

HUNDREDS of well-wishers have gathered at events in Llanelli and Kidwelly to show support for the family of 5-year-old April Jones — a week after she went missing.

In Llanelli, 200 people came together to release pink balloons at North Dock on Monday at 7pm, marking exactly a week since the youngster was last seen in her hometown of Machynlleth.

Mums Sarah Jenkins, 36, and Rhian Daly, 33, both parents of 5-year-olds at Pentip School, organised the release of the balloons, with messages to April tied on with ribbon, raising more than £300 for the April Jones trust fund in the process.

Mrs Jenkins said: "It was a really good turnout, which included lots of pupils from Pentip School, it went brilliantly.

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"Hopefully the money raised on the night will help April's mother and father in some way."

The trust fund has been set up by Machynlleth Town Council and April's family will decide how it is used.

In Kidwelly, the community came together at the town square to light candles and say prayers for the youngster, led by the Rev Roger Morley-Jones.

Organisers also hosted a raffle and cake stalls, with pink ribbons also on sale, raising around £430 for the fund, including donations from The Factory Shop.

Mum of two Alena Williams, 28, of Hillfield Villas, who organised the event, said: "It went really well, it really captured the imagination.

"It all started during a discussion over a cup of tea — it is great how everyone came together."

The Lord Nelson pub, in Lady Street, is set to continue the fundraising all weekend — with a pink theme.

On Sunday, there will be a gathering at the watering-hole for a balloon release and a raffle will be held, for which residents are being encouraged to donate prizes.

Landlord Andrew Polverino said: "After hearing the news about what's been happening, the main subject of conversation in and around the pub has been April and her family — it has had a huge impact on everyone.

"We have had huge support from everyone who knows about the event and I think it really shows how communities can work together.

"On Sunday we will all be gathering in the garden of the pub to release balloons with messages of support and hopefully come together once again as a community.

"There has been a great interest and kindness of people donating money and prizes already, but we still need more — that's why I'm asking people to donate whatever they can for prizes or any cash donations is a great help to.

"If anyone would like to help us raise the money we would also be grateful."

Balloons for the Llanelli event were donated by Asda, Wilkinson and CJs, with ribbons donated by Bizzie Fingers and buckets by Home Bargains.